How to separate OS/Programs from Personal Documents, etc?

GunXpatriot

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Jun 29, 2014
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So just a few days ago, I finished building my rig. I had only opted for one drive for storage. I then figured that I should just partition my drive. One, the smaller partition, would be for my OS and programs. The other would be for documents, videos, maybe storing music, etc, etc.

I wanted to configure it to work out that way. But I've run into a couple issues. How exactly would I do such a thing? There are also some grey areas that I'm not sure how to iron out.

For example... And seriously, don't laugh! Cryptocurrency wallets. the blockchain for each currency requires a large download, especially as you get further along in it's life. Bitcoin, right now, is about 12, maybe even 14gb? So it makes me wonder, how would I go about something like that?

So I wonder, if anyone who reads this, has maybe just gotten an extra, equal-sized drive, and just used it as a sort of "backup drive"? Like, simply make folders with my files, and backup music, my videos (I do a decent amount of video production, and just overall capture, btw). Nothing massive, but it's enough to fill a 32GB card every couple months and need that space to back up all my files.

So I feel like simply getting another drive, and using it as I would an external HDD, would be my best option. I have a Silicon Power 1TB external shock/waterproof HDD, which has been working well... So perhaps I could use that as a companion to this newer drive, or just make direct copies to have a second copy in case of failure of either drive... I figure I could use C for everything, and D would be the secondary. I have a Western Digital "Black" 1TB right now, and I figured maybe a WD "Blue" for the secondary drive. Is there a way to make the secondary drive hardly ever spin up to reduce wear and increase life expectancy?

I think what I'm looking for, is a good way to organize myself. On my old laptop, after several Windows reinstalls, I always told myself I'd stay organized. Not have the same type of file scattered around, or have the desktop nearly filled with icons. I guess that's me being hasty, and overall, a bit lazy. What can I do to keep myself organized, and ensure that I have the space to backup my files, as well as to install programs?
 
After partitioning, change the 2nd partition letter from it being C: to D:
This way you will 'in effect' have 'two' drives from one. (Obviously leave C: as it is where Windows is installed!!!!!)
And when you install programs if you want to install on a different one just change the C:/xxx to D:/xxx
So it will install to the 2nd partition.
When I was first reading this I thought you had an SSD for the boot and a massive drive for programs, this too is an idea!
E.g. a 256gb SSD for boot and then two WD Blue's for MASS MASS storage, overall shouldn't cost more than an extra £90!
Anyways Good Luck :) and I hope this made sense :)
 
Yeah, I already partitioned my WD Black into 200GB/730GB. But it seems like I'd be better off dumping everything onto C and then just backup on the blue drive (when I reconfigure it all).

And was that it? The idea is to have a drive strictly for boot, and then a drive for everything else? That does seem a lot easier, especially space-wise. And then you have a lot less risk/wear on the other HDD... That may be a good idea, maybe I'll go for an SSD. Thanks for the tip!
 


Hope it helps you!! Plus p, with an SSD you will see amazing boot times. Checkout the Samsung 840 Evo. Good prices for amazing products!